Average Rent in Detroit 2026
The average rent in Detroit, MI is $1,050 for a 1-bedroom, $1,300 for a 2-bedroom, and $1,600 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Detroit is 11% below the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $42,000.
Detroit Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,050
per month
2 Bedrooms
$1,300
per month
3 Bedrooms
$1,600
per month
Cost of Living in Detroit
89
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Detroit's cost of living index is 89, which is 11% below the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Detroit at a Glance
Population
633K
Median Income
$36,140
COL Index
89
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Detroit?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Detroit by bedroom count:
1-Bedroom
$1,050/mo rent
$42,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$1,300/mo rent
$52,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$1,600/mo rent
$64,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Detroit
Save $400/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$1,050
per month
Split 2BR
$650
per person/month
Annual Savings
$4,800
per year
Instead of paying $1,050 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,300) with one roommate brings your share to $650. That is $4,800 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt.
Rent Control in Detroit
Detroit, MI does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
Rent Calculators for Detroit Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Detroit rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Detroit
Is Detroit expensive to rent in?
Detroit is one of the most affordable major cities for renters. A 1-bedroom averages $1,050 per month in 2026. Midtown and Corktown are pricier, while neighborhoods further from downtown offer bargains under $900.
How much income do you need to rent in Detroit?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $3,500 per month ($42,000 annually) to afford an average $1,050/month 1-bedroom apartment in Detroit.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Detroit?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,300/month) with one roommate brings your share to $650, saving $400 per month or $4,800 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
Planning to rent in Detroit?